The Lowdown: While science might not have been a favorite subject in school, most women would gladly don a lab coat if it meant finding a way to replicate youthful skinÛÓbut thankfully we don’t have to. R medical spa offers a groundbreaking IPL treatment called Forever Young BBLã¢ that has been shown to effectively revert skin cells to a younger stage. Anne Strate, BSN, RN, who trained directly under the masterminds of this revolutionary science, says the updated technology and technique has resulted in faster and more dramatic results. Just five 15-minute sessions, plus minimal maintenance, is all it takes to virtually stop the clock on aging.

The Lowdown: Fraxel is a laser treatment used for facial rejuvenation that works by targeting a pattern of tiny dots while sparing the surrounding tissueÛÓresulting in quicker healing time with less risk of complication when compared to traditional resurfacing lasers. Dr. Brock Ridenour is equipped with both the Fraxel Dual LaserÛÓwhich treats age spots, fine lines and textural flawsÛÓas well as Fraxel Re:Pair, the newest Fraxel technology that delivers dramatic results in just one treatment.

The Lowdown: According to 19-year beauty veteran Jodi Miller, “It’s all about the vitamins.” After indulging in Studio Branca’s decadent facial prep, which includes Clarason cleansing, a steam and a scalp massage, you’ll be treated to a luxurious vitamin-packed facial. The stars of the show are vitamins C and E, known for their hydrating and anti-aging properties, but the main attraction is undoubtedly SkinCeuticals C E FerulicÛÓa miraculous antioxidant treatment that has won countless awards, including three coveted “Best of Beauty, Editor’s Choice” titles from Allure Magazine. Miller says of the Liquid Reviver Facial, “You’ll leave with plump, moist, hydrated skin.” Most importantly, “Even if you’ve neglected your skin for years, it’s never too late to start an effective beauty regimen.”

At the Counter

The Lowdown: Whether you’re craving Rapunzelinspired length, or just want to thicken up hopelessly fine hair, cold fusion hair extensions are your solution. Stylist Katie Wiesehan says that unlike damaging heat or glue hair extensions from years past, cold fusion extensions cause absolutely no breakage, and are truly the wave of the future. In fact, many of the stylists at Illusions use them regularly. Although the initial process is a bit time consuming (about three hours for a full head), the results are well worth a few hours in the chair.

The Lowdown: At $300 a pop, the Keratin Complex treatment isn’t cheap, but Shannon Hames, who has had extensive training in the process, says the results are well worth it. For three hours, you’ll be treated to dual shampoos, product application and a blow dry, followed by an extensive flat ironing sessionÛÓa rigorous process indeed. So, what’s your reward for being so patient? Smooth, manageable and frizz-free hair worthy of a Pantene commercial.

The Lowdown: You know that fabulous hair that all of Hollywood seems to haveÛÓstars like Jennifer Lawrence, Ashley Greene and Selena Gomez? They certainly weren’t born with those luscious locksÛÓand more often than not, they owe a great deal of credit to a good blowout. Here in St. Louis, we have our own version of the Hollywood Glam Squad, and they can give you one of six signature blowouts starting at $30. “This Hollywood Glam Blowout is all about a more glamorous version of you,” says stylist Steven Markuson. “Finding the right products for your hair type and picking the right amount of volume to flatter your face shape.”

The Lowdown: INOA, an ammonia-free hair color, is available in a wide array of vibrant colors, and has all of the conditioning properties of a semi-permanent color with the staying power of a permanent. Joshua Nichols, owner of KINK Salon, says the oil base in INOA not only imparts more shine than traditional colors, but also lasts longer. The application is pretty much the same as any other hair color, but there is undoubtedly one distinct differenceÛÓ INOA is odor-free, and perfect for those with sensitive sniffers or ammonia allergies.

On the Red Carpet

You glow, girl!Hollywood’s freshest faces are letting their natural beauty do the talking and opting for products that lend a subtle illumination and a “lit from within” glow. Even Kristen Stewart, who’s known for her slightly edgy makeup choices, has been all about being feminine lately. When playing with the look, think sheenÛÓnot shineÛÓ and choose only your best feature to take centerstage.

Hair Affair

The Lowdown: Whether you’re craving Rapunzelinspired length, or just want to thicken up hopelessly fine hair, cold fusion hair extensions are your solution. Stylist Katie Wiesehan says that unlike damaging heat or glue hair extensions from years past, cold fusion extensions cause absolutely no breakage, and are truly the wave of the future. In fact, many of the stylists at Illusions use them regularly. Although the initial process is a bit time consuming (about three hours for a full head), the results are well worth a few hours in the chair.

The Lowdown: At $300 a pop, the Keratin Complex treatment isn’t cheap, but Shannon Hames, who has had extensive training in the process, says the results are well worth it. For three hours, you’ll be treated to dual shampoos, product application and a blow dry, followed by an extensive flat ironing sessionÛÓa rigorous process indeed. So, what’s your reward for being so patient? Smooth, manageable and frizz-free hair worthy of a Pantene commercial.

The Lowdown: You know that fabulous hair that all of Hollywood seems to haveÛÓstars like Jennifer Lawrence, Ashley Greene and Selena Gomez? They certainly weren’t born with those luscious locksÛÓand more often than not, they owe a great deal of credit to a good blowout. Here in St. Louis, we have our own version of the Hollywood Glam Squad, and they can give you one of six signature blowouts starting at $30. “This Hollywood Glam Blowout is all about a more glamorous version of you,” says stylist Steven Markuson. “Finding the right products for your hair type and picking the right amount of volume to flatter your face shape.”

The Lowdown: INOA, an ammonia-free hair color, is available in a wide array of vibrant colors, and has all of the conditioning properties of a semi-permanent color with the staying power of a permanent. Joshua Nichols, owner of KINK Salon, says the oil base in INOA not only imparts more shine than traditional colors, but also lasts longer. The application is pretty much the same as any other hair color, but there is undoubtedly one distinct differenceÛÓ INOA is odor-free, and perfect for those with sensitive sniffers or ammonia allergies.

Inner Glow

The Lowdown: Yoga Alliance certified instructor Stacy Fidler says the benefits of a regular yoga practice are endless. “A lot of people start a yoga regimen for the physical benefits and to look good in their clothes, but when they realize what it does for their mental well-being, they’re hooked,” Fidler says. “Yoga helps calm the natural stress response throughout the body, including the nervous system.” Her favorite antidote to a long, stressful day is Restorative Yoga, which is chock full of gentle moves like the supported child’s pose and supported bound angle pose. “It’s so completely relaxing and comfortingÛÓyou kind of feel like you’re a baby being nurtured,” she says.

The Lowdown: Linda Wiggen Kraft, who has been teaching the art of meditation for over three decades, suggests giving yourself permission to take a short break each and every day. Just a few minutes of deep, comfortable breathsÛÓwith no electronicsÛÓwill make a difference in both your attitude and your appearance. During your mini meditation session, Kraft recommends focusing on breathing in vitality and relaxation, and breathing out tension and anxiety. Kraft teaches one-on-one meditation classes in both mantra mediation (repeating or focusing on a word or phrase) and guided meditation (Kraft will verbally lead you into a relaxed state)ÛÓboth great options for those who prefer a partner in the healing journey of meditation.

The Lowdown: There are many culprits for lack of energyÛÓincluding a slow metabolismÛÓ and if you’ve been an avid yo-yo dieter, you’re especially at risk. Emily Rich, a registered dietician with Nutriformance, says the Ten Week Metabolism Makeover starts by measuring your metabolic rate with a number of tests; from there, Rich can tell you exactly what to eatÛÓand when to eat itÛÓtaking you from sluggish to supercharged. The 10-week program also has an educational component to it, so once your time is up, you’ll be fully prepared to tackle your day with the energy and knowledge you’ll need to keep the momentum going.

On the Runway

Bright EyesThe smoky look has taken a turn for the colorful as spring runways saw a multitude of bold, bright eyes in a plethora of shocking, near-neon colors. At Donna Karan, makeup artists were “thinking pink” as magenta was the color-du-jour on both lashes and lids. At Michael Kors and Christian Dior, it was all about electric blue. Dior artists opted for a dramatic crystal embellished eye, while at Kors, a minimal swipe of bright blue was all it took to make the models’ eyes pop.

General Maintenance

The Lowdown: Keeping your nails healthy and pretty never felt so good. Lisa Laws, who has been working as a nail tech since 1985, says the Signature Manicure at Four Seasons Spa and Salon is all about adding a little luxury to your standard beauty regimen. Not only do you get a classic manicure, but also a hydrating hand mask, wrapped in warm towels, followed by an oil treatment and hand massage. While you’re there, you just might be tempted to try the variety of other beauty and relaxation services offered at this luxurious spa.

The Lowdown: The Diode Laser is still the go-to technology for hair removal, but its speed and efficiency have greatly improved. Julia Jansma, owner of Infinity Laser for over 11 years, says her latest lasers are virtually pain-free and three times faster than the original ones. Smaller areas take only minutes now, and treating larger areas is much more convenient than in years past. Jansma advises individuals who are considering laser hair removal to avoid tanning, waxing and tweezing for four to six weeks prior to their first appointment for the safest, most effective session possible.

The Lowdown: Remsha Baig has tamed the unruliest of brows, and she says opting for threading over waxing or tweezing results in a more beautiful, defined brow line. The cost is minimal ($12 for brows), and the process is less traumatic for sensitive skin than using hot wax. Threading, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, is used mostly for the faceÛÓincluding the chin, upper lip and forehead. Baig believes most clients have converted to threading over more traditional methods of hair removal because the results are both smoother and longer lasting.

The Lowdown: If you’ve ever dreamt of having long, sweeping lashes worthy of a high-fashion runway model, you’re in luck. Now you can defy your genes with the application of lengthening, glamorous eyelash extensions. Christina Passanise says about 80 percent of her spa clientele have become eyelash extension enthusiasts. The process, which consists of applying silk lashes to each individual lash, takes about 30 to 45 minutes and lasts about two to three weeks before a touch-up is necessary. We simply love the instant gratification factorÛÓand the new look.

The Lowdown: A less invasive, less complicated procedure than a full tummy tuck with less time spent on the table, a mini tummy tuck has many advantagesÛÓincluding a shorter recovery period and a less obvious scar. The only caveat: the mini is usually reserved for those with issues strictly below the belly button, but the results are still quite remarkable. The recovery time for Dr. William Hart’s patients (who rigorously follow all post-op instructions) is usually less than 10 days, and the scar is generally small enough to be hidden under a bikini bottom.

The Lowdown: It’s the tickling sensation patients experience that gives Tickle Lipo its gentle sounding name, and the fact that it’s a minimally invasive, one- to two-hour procedure makes it even less intimidatingÛÓparticulary when compared to other, more aggressive fat removal options. Benefits of Tickle Lipo include affordability, quick recovery and permanent fat removal. At The Lifestyle Center, Tickle Lipo is performed by Medical Director Dr. Richard Moore, who is a national speaker in the field of minimally invasive aesthetic procedures.

The Lowdown: There are many different treatment options for both varicose and spider veins, and Dr. Norman Bein, who has over 40 years of experience as a surgeon, often uses ultrasonography to determine the best course of treatment. If sclerotherapy (the treatment of varicose veins by injection) is in order, you can usually expect three to five sessionsÛÓalthough this often varies by patient. For smaller surface veins, simple laser treatments might also be an option.

The Lowdown: Dr. Mark Blumenthal, a board certified general and peripheral vascular surgeon, has been performing stretch mark treatments for years. The Vein Center and CosMed has multiple lasers to treat stretch marks, but quite often it only takes one type of laser to see results. After just one treatment, the doctor can usually tell whether you’re a good candidate for stretch mark removal. Dr. Blumenthal treats stretch marks on nearly any part of the body, and is able to treat both new stretch marks and older white ones with varying degrees of improvement with each treatment.